The Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft that crashed on June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad, en route to London, resulted in the loss of 274 lives when it struck a medical college hostel. Among the victims was Dirdh Patel, a 23-year-old cricketer and MSc graduate in Artificial Intelligence. The news of his death was confirmed by the BBC and his cricket club, Wharfedale Senior Cricket League.
The League expressed deep sorrow, noting Dirdh’s connection to Leeds Modernians CC and his brother Krutik Patel. In 2024, he was the overseas player for Leeds Modernians CC, scoring 312 runs and taking 29 wickets. The team will observe a minute of silence. Dr. George Bargiannis from the University of Huddersfield remembered Dirdh as intellectually curious and insightful, highlighting his capacity for making a positive impact.